Employment Tribunal Deadlines And Early Conciliation

Why Timing Matters

Many employment tribunal claims have short time limits. Acas explains the common calculation as three calendar months minus one day for many claims, though some claims use different limits.

Early conciliation can affect how time is calculated, but it should not be treated casually. If a deadline may be approaching, the safest approach is to get specific advice quickly and provide all key dates in your enquiry.

Where A Barrister May Help

An employment barrister may advise on merits, compensation, settlement, jurisdiction, time limits, pleadings, evidence and hearing strategy. They may also represent a claimant or respondent at a preliminary hearing or final hearing.

Direct Access can be particularly useful where you need a defined piece of specialist input, such as advice on prospects, drafting a claim or response, preparing for cross-examination or representation at a listed hearing.

Information To Include

Employment disputes are often document-heavy. The clearer your papers, the easier it is to assess urgency, scope and cost.

If you have already contacted Acas, include the notification date, certificate date and certificate number. If a tribunal claim has already been issued, include all tribunal orders and hearing dates.

• Employment contract and handbook extracts.
• Dismissal, resignation or grievance correspondence.
• Acas early conciliation dates and certificate.
• ET1, ET3, tribunal orders and hearing notices.
• A short timeline of the main events.

Claimant Or Employer Enquiries

Barristers can assist both employees and employers, but conflicts must be checked before anyone is instructed. Give names of the parties and representatives at the start.

For employers, early advice can help with response strategy, settlement risk, evidence preservation and hearing preparation. For employees, advice can help clarify claims, evidence and realistic outcomes.